Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy

Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy is credited to be one of the first freedom fighters in India. He led one of the first revolts in India against British occupation, 10 years earlier than the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857.
Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy was born to Uyyalawada Peddamalla Reddy in Uyyalawada, located in present day Kurnool District which is on the banks of Kundu River. His father Peddamalla Reddy and his grand father Jayarami Reddy were local chieftains (Polygars) of Koilkuntla.
Narasimha Reddy, as a polygar of Koilkuntla was in command of 66 villages in Kadapa, Anantapur, Bellary and Kurnool districts and controlled an army of 2000. After Rayalaseema was ceded to the British by the Nizam, Narasimha Reddy refused to share the revenue of the region with the British. He was in favor of an armed uprising. On 10 June 1846 he attacked the treasury at Koilkuntla and marched towards Cumbum (Prakasam District). On the way, he created uproar at Rudravaram by killing the forest ranger. The distric collector, Thomas Monroe, took a serious view of the rebellion and ordered his capture. Early attempts to capture him under Captain Knot and Watson were unsuccessful.